We have created a concise timeline mapping the broad history of public
international law with particular attention paid to the signing of major
treaties, the foundation of fundamental institutions, the birth of
major figures in international law and milestones in the development of
some of the field’s best-known doctrines. There are varying opinions on
where to start in the history of international law, as well as arguments
around periodising the dynamic developments, though for this project we
have started our timeline with the Treaty of Tordesillas in 1494.
Explore some of the major developments in the history of international
law and read more by clicking through to freed-up chapters from the
Oxford Historical Treaties, the Max Planck Encyclopaedia of Public
International Law, relevant book chapters, blog pieces and journal
articles.